Nikon Coolpix SQ - Quick Preview

Pre-PMA 2003, 15:00 TOKYO: Nikon today announced three new digital
cameras, the Coolpix 2100, 3100 and SQ. This article is a quick preview
of the new three megapixel, three times optical zoom Coolpix SQ. A totally
radical design and another new approach from Nikon, the SQ has a flat
square profile with their trademark twisting lens design. In forward shooting
mode it's wacky looking but oh-so Nikon. This preview is based on an early
pre-production model, as such I won't be presenting any image samples
or a particularly in-depth analysis of performance.

Nikon Coolpix SQ - Quick Preview

The SQ is the first Coolpix to not have a numerical designation, it's
also the slimmest Coolpix. And yet you instantly know it's a Nikon because
the designers have once more managed to implement the swiveled lens system
in a completely different design. The entire body is metallic with a strong
click-into-position swivel mechanism.

Major features

RGB color filter array

New menu system

Improved matrix metering (1005 segment RGB algorithm from D1x / F5)

Improved Auto White Balance (from D100)

Faster AF, Auto five area or manual nine area auto focus

Color database built into camera for more accurate green, blue and
skin tones

Camera elements

A completely new styling approach by Nikon,
and a non-numerical designation

The lens swivelled to a front shooting position

It's quite slim, although still thicker than
Minolta's DiMAGE Xi

Behind the compartment door are slots for
the EN-EL2 battery and Compact Flash card, Type I

The SQ in its 'Coolstation' dock, a single
button on the front can be used to initiate transfer

Note the battery charge slot allowing batteries
to be charged without the camera (useful!)

Lens swivel positions

The images below indicate the limits of movement for the swivel lens
as well as some of the 'click lock' positions throughout this range (any
90 degree position).

Camera display / menus

Unforunately the camera I had was so early it only displayed 'System
Error' when powered up (not too handy). If and when I get an updated camera
I'll add a complete breakdown of all menu options and hopefully some captures
of the display and menu modes.

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